Anyone now needing to self-isolate for any reason relating to Covid-19, will be committing a criminal offence if they fail to do so, under stricter Government regulations.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 have been introduced across England only and mean employees AND employers could be liable for fines if they breach self-isolation rules.

If you are self-isolating because you have tested positive for Covid-19, or someone you live with has tested positive, workers must inform their employer as soon as possible. Under the new regulations, you are required to notify of the need to self-isolate, along with start and end dates for the isolation period. A breach of self-isolation is a criminal offence.

Employers could be fined if they knowingly permit workers to attend places other than where an individual is self-isolating. Unless an individual can work from home, employers will have the responsibility to stop an individual from working in situations where they know they have tested positive for COVID-19, or live with someone who has.